How to Become a Citizen: Process, Types, and Differences Between Birth and Origin
Civic Education JSS 1, Second Term, Week 3 lesson note on Process of Becoming a Citizen of a Country, following your preferred format.
Subject: Civic Education
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 3
Age: 12-14 years
Topic: Process of Becoming a Citizen of a Country
Sub-topic: Steps and Differences Between Place of Birth and Place of Origin
Duration: 40 minutes
Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe the process of becoming a citizen of a country.
- Identify the different steps involved in acquiring citizenship.
- Differentiate between place of birth and place of origin.
- Explain why citizenship laws vary from one country to another.
Keywords:
- Citizenship
- Naturalization
- Oath of Allegiance
- Place of Birth
- Place of Origin
Set Induction:
- Activity: The teacher asks students: “If a child is born in America to Nigerian parents, is the child an American or a Nigerian?”
- This question will lead to discussions on how citizenship is acquired.
Entry Behavior:
- Students may have a basic understanding of birth certificates, passports, and nationality from news, family discussions, or travel experiences.
Learning Resources and Materials:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Nigerian Constitution (simplified version)
- Images showing naturalization certificates and passports
Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
- The teacher will remind students of previous discussions on types of citizenship (birth, registration, naturalization, etc.).
Embedded Core Skills:
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Civic responsibility
Learning Materials:
- Nigerian Constitution (Citizenship section)
- Sample passport and naturalization certificate images
Reference Books:
- Civic Education for Junior Secondary Schools
- Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 1
Instructional Materials:
- Charts showing the process of acquiring citizenship
- Sample documents for registration and naturalization
Presentation Structure:
1. Revision of Previous Topic:
- The teacher asks students to recall the different types of citizenship discussed in the previous lesson.
- A brief discussion on who qualifies for citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization.
2. Introduction of New Topic:
- Explain that in every country, there are rules and processes that determine how a person can become a citizen.
3. Process of Becoming a Citizen:
There are several ways people can become citizens of a country. The process depends on the type of citizenship being acquired.
-
Citizenship by Birth:
- A person is automatically a citizen if born in a country that grants citizenship by birth.
- Example: A child born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen under Jus Soli (right of soil).
-
Citizenship by Descent:
- A child born to parents who are citizens of a country, even if the child is born outside that country, may inherit citizenship.
- Example: A Nigerian child born in Canada to Nigerian parents can still be a Nigerian citizen.
-
Citizenship by Registration:
- This applies to foreigners who have ties to a country (e.g., through marriage).
- Example: A foreign woman who marries a Nigerian man can apply for Nigerian citizenship.
-
Citizenship by Naturalization:
- A foreigner can become a citizen after legally living in a country for several years.
- Steps in Naturalization Process:
a) Application – The foreigner applies for citizenship.
b) Residency Requirement – The applicant must have lived in the country for a required number of years.
c) Good Conduct – The applicant must have obeyed the country’s laws.
d) Oath of Allegiance – The person must take an oath to be loyal to the country.
e) Issuance of Certificate – The person receives a naturalization certificate.
-
Citizenship by Honorary Grant:
- This is awarded to individuals who have contributed greatly to a country.
- Example: Some famous athletes or business people are granted citizenship in appreciation of their contributions.
4. Difference Between Place of Birth and Place of Origin
| Aspect | Place of Birth | Place of Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The country or location where a person was born. | The ancestral or native home of a person’s family. |
| Citizenship | In some countries, birth in a country automatically grants citizenship. | Place of origin does not always determine citizenship. |
| Example | A baby born in the USA may be a U.S. citizen. | A baby born in the USA to Nigerian parents may still be considered Nigerian by origin. |
Teacher and Learner Activities:
-
Teacher’s Activities:
- Explain the meaning of citizenship.
- Discuss the process of becoming a citizen.
- Highlight the differences between place of birth and place of origin.
-
Learner’s Activities:
- Answer questions on citizenship.
- Discuss real-life examples of people who acquired citizenship through different processes.
- Participate in class discussions and debates on dual citizenship.
Evaluation:
Fill-in-the-blank Questions:
-
A ________ is a legally recognized member of a country.
a) Foreigner
b) Citizen
c) Resident
d) Alien -
The process through which a foreigner becomes a citizen is called ________.
a) Registration
b) Naturalization
c) Birthright
d) Descent -
A child born outside Nigeria to Nigerian parents is a Nigerian citizen by ________.
a) Registration
b) Birth
c) Naturalization
d) Descent -
Before a naturalized citizen is granted citizenship, they must take the ________.
a) Certificate
b) Pledge of Allegiance
c) Voting test
d) Immigration interview -
Place of birth refers to ________, while place of origin refers to ________.
Multiple-choice questions:
6. Which of the following is NOT a way of acquiring citizenship?
a) Naturalization
b) Birth
c) Passing an exam
d) Registration
-
What is the difference between place of birth and place of origin?
a) Place of birth is the country where a person was born, and place of origin is the ancestral home.
b) They both mean the same thing.
c) Place of origin depends on school records.
d) Place of birth is determined by government policies. -
What is the final step in the naturalization process?
a) Application submission
b) Issuance of passport
c) Oath of allegiance
d) Visa approval -
Who can apply for citizenship by registration in Nigeria?
a) A Nigerian born in the UK
b) A foreigner married to a Nigerian
c) A refugee
d) A child of two Nigerian parents -
What is the legal document given to a naturalized citizen?
a) National identity card
b) Passport
c) Citizenship certificate
d) Birth certificate
Assessment:
- Evaluation Questions (Short Answer):
- Describe two processes of becoming a citizen.
- Explain the steps involved in naturalization.
- Differentiate between place of birth and place of origin.
- What is the final step in acquiring citizenship by naturalization?
- Who qualifies for honorary citizenship?
Conclusion:
- The teacher summarizes key points.
- Students are asked to discuss whether a person can change their citizenship.
- The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.